Brighton eye Norwich defender Russell Martin

Brighton & Hove Albion are lining up a move for Norwich City defender Russell Martin, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Brighton boss Chris Hughton is a big fan of Martin having worked with the defender during his time in charge at Carrow Road, making the defender his club captain.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton

Hughton is looking to bolster his defensive options this summer as doubts surround the future of Lewis Dunk who is understood to be a target for a number of Premier League clubs.

Hughton is keen to assemble a squad capable of challenging for promotion to the Premier League after narrowly missing out last season and he sees Martin's versatility in that he can play at centre-back as well as right-back as a valuable addition to his plans.

Norwich's Gary O'Neil and Russell Martin with referee Lee Mason

Martin, who was born in Brighton, has established himself as a key player in the Norwich side since joining the club initially on loan from Peterborough in 2009 before making the move permanent in January 2010.

Norwich are reluctant to lose Martin as Alex Neil looks to keep hold of his best players as he looks to mount a bid for promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but Brighton could test their resolve by firming up their interest in Scotland international Martin.

Norwich's Russell Martin and Wes Hoolahan applaud the fans at the end of the match after being relegated from the Barclays Premier League